More than one agency

[FONT=Lucida Console]Hi everyone,
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[FONT=Lucida Console]I have taken the first step. I have turned my resignation in at the hospital I have been for 13 years and have sighed on with a local agency to do some per diem shifts close to home. I have worked 13 years in a rural hospital and have experience in every department. I have 7 years of experience in ER and plan to try some per diem shifts at some of the larger ER's, Level I and II. My experience is Level IV. I would like to start traveling next spring. I have been reading the forums and seems like everyone is signed up with more than one agency. What do you think? How many are you signed up with? What are the benifits with more than one? Do you sign up with an agency that is in the area that you think you would like to travel to?
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[FONT=Lucida Console]Thanks for the info,
[FONT=Lucida Console]rodggang

I'm interested in knowing the answer to this also, as I saw one person had signed with 4 travel companies. Is this necessary and/or confusing?

Sep 5, '06

I am sure you are aware but what Level 1 is very different then Level IV; you might want to reconsider. I would not recommend starting out as an Agency Nurse and "trying Level I or II" without first talking to the Nurse Manager for that department you plan to go to. Your Agency is not going to be a good resource for this; they will say anything to get your shifts. It is your license and reputation at risk.

It depends on your area, regarding signing with more then one Agency. If your options are many, signing with more then one, is especially beneficial. It is not necessary but gives you more options. I will let someone else talk about their benefits with more then one per diem Agency. I have utilized up to four Agencies at one time.

If you want to do Travel Nursing you can start with an Agency or start with where you want to go.

I am sure we will here from others on this BB (Bulletin Board).

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Quote from rodggang

[FONT=Lucida Console]Hi everyone,
[FONT=Lucida Console]
[FONT=Lucida Console]I have taken the first step. I have turned my resignation in at the hospital I have been for 13 years and have sighed on with a local agency to do some per diem shifts close to home. I have worked 13 years in a rural hospital and have experience in every department.

I have 7 years of experience in ER and plan to try some per diem shifts at some of the larger ER's, Level I and II.

My experience is Level IV. I would like to start traveling next spring. I have been reading the forums and seems like everyone is signed up with more than one agency. What do you think?

How many are you signed up with?

What are the benifits with more than one?

Do you sign up with an agency that is in the area that you think you would like to travel to?
[FONT=Lucida Console]
[FONT=Lucida Console]Thanks for the info,
[FONT=Lucida Console]rodggang

Sep 22, '06

I currently travel with 2 companies. One company (Nurse Choice) does only minimum 48 hr weeks and commits usually to 4 wks at a time (last assignment I renewed and stayed there for 12 wks at 48 hrs/wk). They have great pay but the assignment choices are narrow and I can't keep up those long weeks!

The other company (Trustaff) does 13 wk/36 hr per wk contracts and have many more assignment choices. I have been alternating between the two.

Here are the important notes:

1. Keep each company informed for what you are discussing with the other company.

2. Do not let both companies submit you for the same position!

3. Keep notes on who you are talking to about which assignment.

The important thing is to be honest with both - they don't seem to mind.

Good Luck - we love travelling and always remember - BE FLEXIBLE!

Sep 22, '06

2. Do not let both companies submit you for the same position

That is the most important lesson that I learned from traveling. Managed to not get an assignment that I wanted because two companies submitted me to the same hospital. I didn't realize it at the time but it was my fault in the end. If you are able to keep good records of conversations and have the time to talk with several people go with as many companies as you can. Each will have their own pros and cons. Sometimes they are important and others they are not. Good luck and have fun anytime you can.